The European Parliament on Wednesday (24 April) adopted an opinion on the review of EU sales law for seeds and other types of plant reproductive material (PRM), liberalizing the exchange of seeds between farmers and creating new bureaucratic regulations. We proposed that the purpose is to preserve the requirements.
Lawmakers supported the document, drafted by Italian lawmaker Herbert Dorfmann of the European People's Party (EPP), with 431 votes in favor, 104 against, and 82 abstentions.
Compared to the Commission's proposal, MEPs are less strict on the access, sale and transfer of “small amounts” (up to 500 grams of vegetables and 10 kilograms of seed potatoes) of preserved varieties. Includes rules.
“Saving genetic material from extinction and preserving old and local breeds is an important contribution to the EU's biodiversity. It protects local culture and diversity,” Dorfman said. He spoke during a debate on the rules on Tuesday night, March 23rd.
“We should not place unnecessary burdens on the people and networks involved in these jobs. They should be supported and protected from excessive bureaucracy.”,” he added.
However, Congress voted in favor of an amendment introduced by Dorfman himself, which was aimed at securing votes from his political group. The amendments are a partial setback from the version of the document previously approved by the House Agriculture Committee.
The proposed amendment narrows the exemption to formally established conservation organizations and excludes other conservation organizations. mania.
Conservation group ARCHE NOAH regretted the inclusion of this clause, stressing that it “severely limits” conservation efforts in Europe.
“Many stakeholders in Europe are contributing to preserving varietal diversity, including local seed producers., individual farmers, but also public initiatives such as seed libraries,” said Magdalena Prieler, Seed Policy Officer at ARCHE NOAH.
Nevertheless, Congress also exempted farmer exchanges for all types of PRM from the requirement, contrary to the original commission proposal that considered only in-kind exchanges of seeds, and the possibility for producers to receive remuneration. It was decided to include it.
According to a document approved by parliament, the maximum amount of PRM that can be traded between farmers without following the rules will be determined by the commission at a later stage.
industry criticism
Wednesday's vote was condemned by Europe's seed industry lobbying group EuroSeeds, which strongly opposes the proposed exemption.
organizationwith agricultural associations COPA and COGECA, and food industry associations Europatat, Coceral and European Beet Growers, Maiz'Europe;, It warned that the exemption would have the following consequences: “Parallel, uncontrolled markets.”
“All farmers must be able to trust in the proper quality assurance and control of any input they choose.“ A Euroseas statement said: “Many exclusions and exemptions undermine this key element and precondition for a fair common market for both breeders and seed users.“
Negotiations between agencies regarding the file are expected. The EU Member States in the Council continue to discuss the draft law at a technical level, which is scheduled to begin in autumn 2024, as no common view will be reached during the current term of the Belgian Council Presidency.
[Edited by Angelo Di Mambro and Zoran Radosavljevic]
